Dare to Believe extending an electronic hand

Published 4:00 pm, Thursday, March 15, 2012

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A local ministry is making it easier for needy people to get assistance — electronically.

Dare to Believe Ministries of Plainview has joined the Benefit Bank of Amarillo in order to help their clients apply for government assistance, citing the convenience for people who now can submit applications for help in one place.

Jim Adams, campus pastor at Dare To Believe, told the Amarillo Globe-News that the nonprofit organization joined the Benefit Bank about a week ago. He said he believes the Benefit Bank will be useful in Plainview not only because of the economy, but also because several service agencies have shut down or moved out of the Plainview area.

Launched in February, the Benefit Bank of Texas is equipped to submit applications for state and federal benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid and prescription assistance for seniors electronically rather than through traditional mail or fax.

Adams said having the ability to apply for a number of avenues for assistance is an enormous benefit to local residents.

“This will give an opportunity for them to come in and actually see somebody and say, ‘Look at me square in the eyes and help me through this,’ ” Adams said.

He also said the drought has compounded economic problems recently because agriculture is such a large industry in West Texas.

“Whenever we start having problems with our farm crops in this area it starts to trickle down to all aspects of our economy,” he said. “This is a great way for people to hang on until they can get their feet back under them.”

Low-income individuals and families who apply for state and federal benefits now will be able to file their applications instantly.

Some people have been confused about how the Benefit Bank works, thinking that they would be given money or assisted with home improvements.

Instead, the Benefit Bank is strictly an application-filing service so people don’t have to visit various state or federal agencies to fill out forms.

The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation provided $277,000 to start the Benefit Bank in Amarillo, said Charlotte Rhodes, Amarillo Area Foundation vice president of regional services.

More than 70 counselors at the Benefit Bank sites have been trained to help guide people through the application process, Rhodes said.

While Amarillo has served as the pilot location for the program, the Benefit Bank of Texas is working to expand the program in other areas throughout the state, including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.